Sifar Patel: Journey of an Expatriate

Abstract

This case is about Sifar Patel - an expatriate from India, the career decisions made by him and the factors affecting these decisions. The case also highlights the problems faced by expatriates. The issues of work-life balance and its impact on expatriate’s career are discussed. The case also enunciates the changing motivational needs of employee and its result on his/her career choices as well as the HR policies related to expatriates. The case focuses on key issues in cross cultural management and international human resource management. It is ideally suited for postgraduate management students. The students are expected to know basics of cross-cultural issues in business as well as expatriate management. The issues of discrimination, cultural adaptability and reverse cultural shock are also discussed. The key teaching objectives includes understanding role of culture in expatriate management, and understanding significance of work-life balance of employees working in global organizations.